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With more than three decades as a marine biologist tucked under his waders, Dr. Joe Richardson has studied beaches from Nova Scotia to the Bahamas, but he still never ceases to marvel at the diversity of Tybee Island’s shores. The widely published professor emeritus of marine sciences at Savannah State University delights in sharing his knowledge about these lively shores, and to that end hosts walking tours for groups of all ages that incorporate conversation and hands-on activities. As his followers comb their fingers and toes through the sand of the beaches and inlets, they search for fossilized shark teeth and animals that Dr. Joe helps identify. He also discusses the tides, sand layers, local marine life, and which creatures eat with salad forks or soup spoons. Along the rock jetty, groups splash into tide pools to learn about the intertidal zone and the ways animals adapt to this habitat, then help Dr. Joe collect live specimens for a field aquarium by pulling in a 50-foot beach seine net and examining the fish and crabs caught in its weave. Lucky guests can glimpse the sleek fins of dolphins, and curious ones can ask Dr. Joe about his research projects, current ecological concerns, and how mermaids keep their fingers from getting pruny.

Running is a great way to stay healthy in general; it's also the only way to stay healthy if you're on the course of a 5KRunDead race. Each competitor is armed with flags, and as zombies nab them, they grow weaker. Lose all your flags and you're out of the game, while the fastest and nimblest get rewarded with prizes at the end. Zombies are rewarded with prizes, too, plus the fun of being transformed into genuinely gruesome creatures by pro makeup artists. Proceeds seek to spread good health far and wide?100% will benefit cancer and Alzheimer's research.

It's easy for participants in the Eutawville 5K Family Fun Run and Walk to imagine themselves in a movie, since live bands play along the course and create a soundtrack for every
step. Approximately 250 runners and walkers take over scenic downtown every year during the event, which was started by three brothers who grew up in Eutawville. The brothers use the event to help their home town: proceeds from the 5K
benefit the American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association, with the focus on helping citizens in Eutawville, its surrounding areas, and its many alternate timelines.